All entrepreneurs need a guide. Guides help connect you to others, show you the ropes and help watch out for your well-being. Some guides are informal, while others are more organized.

Here’s a brief list of excellent starting points.

Jim Gann and the team from the Small Business and Technology Development Center. Jim is a patient and knowledgeable resource who is dedicated to helping companies find the right resources.

Jake Halliday or Quinten Messbarger from the Monsanto Life Sciences Incubator. If you’re a science-based startup, Jake and Quinten are your go-to resources.

Plus, they do all the vetting for Centennial Investors, the area’s only angel investment group.

Mike Brooks from Regional Economic Development Inc. If it involves the Mid-Missouri economy, Mike and his excellent team are on it. This includes a heavy focus on entrepreneurship as a key driver of future economic growth.

Kelsey Meyer from my company, The League of Innovators. Kelsey is well-connected in the CoMo startup scene and an especially good resource for technology startups.

Outside of the starting points above, I’d also do my best to research and learn from some excellent Columbia entrepreneurs. By no means is this list exclusive, but here’s a few names to Google, follow on Twitter, connect with on LinkedIn and email.

Brant and Brock Bukowsky: If you’ve just emerged from a five-year hibernation or are new to town, these guys own Veterans United Home Loans, their third Inc. 500 venture. Both are not only some of the sharpest minds I’ve ever known, but are also some of the finest people you’ll ever meet.

Jamie Stephens: He’s the developer-entrepreneur behind Bookd.com, among other ventures. Jamie is extremely knowledgeable, personable and always willing to take time out of his busy schedule to help a budding entrepreneur in need.

Josh Kayser: This CoMo entrepreneur behind SuretyBonds.com is making national waves in a very staid industry. With a fantastic team, a grinding work ethic and a laser focus, Josh is a model for creating something out of nothing.

Brian Null: With past successes that include GolfCourses.com and OfficeSupply.com, Brian is a force in the online domain industry, operating MO.com and helping broker some of the largest deals in the domain space. Plus, he always takes time to help those that need it.

If you’re considering starting a business in Como, I hope this gives you an excellent start.